Hope-Faith-Trust - 03/31/09 03:15 PM
I was thinking about these three words this morning as I was working out.  What must I first have to move toward the GOOD I desire in life.
It occurs to me that if you don't have HOPE its really hard to have FAITH or TRUST in anything.  HOPE seems to be the entry point to things NEW and GOOD!
If you are looking for things to turn around start by finding HOPE, and not wishful thinking type of HOPE.  Instead look at what you would really like to have happen and HOPE that things can turn out for the better.  … (6 comments)

1st Quarter Buzzer!! - 03/30/09 06:48 PM
With the end of March now quickly approaching its time to think about how well you did in quarter #1 of the 2009 calendar. 

Are you on track with your goals?
What are you doing that is not working? What improvements do you need to make?
What is working and how can you maximize your efforts in those areas?
There is still time to have a great year, but you need to know how to make adjustments while its still early in the game.  Now is not the time to get down. In many markets Quarter #2 is a … (4 comments)

We Are Protected! - 03/29/09 11:05 PM
What a tremendous blessing knowing we have the promise of protection!
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17)
For anyone facing a challenge because of the market, health, relationships, finances know that things are about to change. Everything will still work out for your good!  Its has to! It has been promised that way since before there was time!
 
If you have ever said the Lord's prayer and need to get out of a mess; pay special attention to the verse that says, "Deliver us from evil."
That is your prayer for protection for you and everyone … (8 comments)

MLS CO-OP - 03/27/09 11:34 PM
I don't how it is in other states, but in Minnesota there are 12 different MLS areas.  I belong to the Twin Cities area MLS and the St. Cloud Area MLS.  Most of my business happens in the North Metro of the Twin Cities, but certainly I go to St. Cloud for a chunk of my business.
Last year my brother bought a house in Rochester, MN. Totally out of my area, however I still represented him on the purchase. Thankfully our MLS system has a Co-op that allows us to search the other areas. I spent a lot of time … (4 comments)

Notes From the Universe - 03/26/09 09:14 AM
Every week day for some time I have been receiving NOTES FROM THE UNIVERSE. I thought I would share the one today:
 

------------------------------go to www.tut.com to sign up to get notes delivered to your email------------------
I think these are fun. Each day they give me a little smile, laugh or even motivation or inspiration. 
 
 

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate.  He is a Dynamic Life Coach; The Discovery Coach- "Helping you discover your talents, desires and purpose." Carstensen is a speaker and co-author … (3 comments)

Express Life! - 03/25/09 04:18 PM
I am thankful today for the beauty of life all around me!  I am thankful for my kids, their new kitty that keeps them entertained, my business, my health, my love (Melissa), and so much more.
Express Life - Give praise and thanks for your life and all that is in it!  We so often forget about all the GOOD around us and focus only on the trials and issues. 
Sometimes we need to step back and slowly breathe life in and out of us. I love to do this and give thanks to God for ALL. I am someone who … (7 comments)

Its Official. I Do Have a New Pet - 03/24/09 11:33 PM
I posted this a couple days ago We Might Have a New Pet. It seems now to be official; we do have a new pet.  Its a CAT and it is living in the garage.  The kids can bring it inside, but it can't stay in the house. I am just not a big pet guy, but the kids love it so what do you do!
It actually disappeared after I posted the above post, but yesterday when the kids came home from school they where out looking for the little kitten and a neighbor was walking his dog and stated … (10 comments)

Investors Needed For Anoka, Sherburne and Isanti Counties - 03/24/09 05:10 PM
Attention INVESTMENT property OWNERS or buyers looking for INVESTMENT PROPERTIES:
I AM LOOKING FOR A COUPLE OF BUYERS WHO WANT TO PURCHASE HOMES ON CONTRACT FOR DEED FOR PEOPLE.
ALSO IF YOU HAVE A HOME YOU WILL SELL CONTRACT FOR DEED LET ME KNOW!
Basically I have a lot of potential buyers I follow up with and for various reason some of them can't get financing on a home right now.  However, some of them would make great buyers on a Rent to Own or Contract for Deed.
Please Contact me at 612-290-3809 or email me at chuckcarstensen@hotmail.com if you are … (2 comments)

Blackberry Curve 8330 (Love It) - 03/23/09 08:10 PM
I posted a blog this weekend about my new phone. The Blackberry Curve 8330.
Today was the first day I really got to put it to use.  After a stop at the RE/MAX in Cambridge... I started the day by stopping back in the Sprint store so they could set up my email.  They did that and I was back on the road. I was going to be out of the office all day, so the email feature was going to come in real handy!
 
I really don't know how many emails I got during the day, but I would have … (12 comments)

Find Me On Facebook - 03/22/09 11:16 AM
I have been adding a lot of Friends on Facebook and I am looking to add a few more.  So if I am not yet your friend on facebook you are welcomed to click the link below and be my friend.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=710966967&ref=name
If you are not yet on facebook it is time to join. You are on Active Rain because you thought it was important for your business, and fun to read, learn and connect with others. Facebook can be used in a similar fashion keeping up with friends, former classmates and potential customers!
 
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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor … (6 comments)

We Might Have a New Pet - 03/22/09 08:38 AM
I am not a pet guy. I did grow up on the farm so I spent alot of time taking care of animals.  We had cats and dogs but I decided they were not for me.  Its hard enough keeping up with things with two active kids ( 5 and 7 years old).
Yesterday afternoon as we were going in the house from playing outside I spot a little kitten that was wondering into the yard that looked lost.  Since we live on acreage we are far enough away from our neighbors to know if it was their kitten or not.
… (10 comments)

How Are Your NCAA Men's Brackets Looking - 03/21/09 11:30 PM
Mine are not looking good. I had Wake Forest in the final four and they lose in the first round.  Ouch!  I have no chance of winning the 60 people pool I am in. 
Originally I had picked Gonzaga to win it all. Then I thought it was a crazy pick and changed it. Now I wish I would have kept it so I would have a shot at placing!  Oh well. I was happy Zags pulled it out late tonight.  However they have a tough one next week verses North Carolina. UNC is the team I now have winning … (0 comments)

Blackberry Curve 8330 - 03/21/09 09:40 AM
 I did it. Yesterday I went out and got a new phone.  The Blackberry 8330.  I had the Treo 650 because it was about the only option for using the EKey.  I do need to get the Fob so I can use the Ekey with the Blackberry.  I am taking the risk that the week it takes to get the Fob I won't need show a home with an electronic lock box.
 
Being I show 25 or more homes a week you would think that would be a long shot but with all the bank owned inventory I am not … (15 comments)

Supra EKEY Devices - 03/17/09 01:10 PM
Its come to the time where I have dropped my phone way too many times and I have tape on it to hold it together, so I need to get a new phone. I had the TREO last time and I am going to get another phone that supports the Supra Ekey application.
I found this link that lists the phones that now work with the Ekey: http://www.gesecurity.com/GESecurity/Real%20Estate/current_devices.pdf
Last night I looked at the Blackberry Curve 8330.  Does anyone use this phone? How is it working?  I know I need to get the eKey Fob if I get a blackberry but with … (8 comments)

US Home Auctions -REDC - 03/16/09 02:50 PM
I have been browsing the REDC website today (http://www.ushomeauction.com) to see what is available in the up coming auction.  There are several properties that I have seen that have been listed forever only not to sell.
My hope is that the home auction does clear out a lot of inventory. I get a lot of questions about the auctions.  People get excited about the minimum bids thinking they can actually get the properties that low.  Of course the banks have a RESERVE price that means they won't automatically take the offer unless the bid is high enough.
To find out how … (3 comments)

Romans 12:12 - 03/16/09 08:43 AM
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)
I feel like this verse speaks to our attitude.  Being JOYFUL IN HOPE would be getting excited about the opportunities you have this week or today; not complaining about the things that are pulling you down in life.
The things that are AFFLICTING us in some way - we are simply to be patient, standing firm, believing they will turn around and GOOD will come from them.
Being FAITHFUL in prayer is declaring FAITH FILLED words and taking appropriate INSPIRED actions to help create new outcomes in your life.  Being … (4 comments)

Picking My Brackets for NCAA - 03/15/09 10:52 PM
I have watched parts of only of handful of games this year, but I still am going to fill out a bracket and be in my brothers NCAA tournament pool. 
I was going to not do any research and just pick my brackets, but I got my second wind and decided to stay up watching video predictions on CBSsports.com. I am not sure how good Gary Parrish is with his picking ability but it did help me with a couple of hunches I had. 
I will probably stay up even a little later and check out some more info and then … (2 comments)

Browerville Alumni Basketball Tournament Recap - 03/15/09 08:46 AM
This years Browerville Alumni Basketball Tournament was the first time I played basketball since the tournament in '08.
We ended up play 3 games and taking second place. I am extremely sore after playing three games in one day. I was definitely not in basketball shape and it showed.
The first game I felt good and had a good game. I did not real keep stats but I had probably around 17 points and close to 15 rebounds.  The second game they just asked me to contain the other teams big guy so thats what I did and I only had … (2 comments)

No GOOD Thing Withheld - 03/14/09 08:04 AM
No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)
I am sharing this verse because I believe in an economy like this a lot of people feel God is withholding GOOD from them.  You can feel stuck and sometimes feel disconnected because maybe your prayers are not being answered the way you want.
You should know to walk uprightly means to trust and keep moving forward with your head held high no matter what is happening or has happened in your life.  
Maybe your finances have been turned upside down because of lack of sales or equity … (6 comments)

Browerville Alumni Basketball Tournament - 03/13/09 09:24 PM
I have not played basketball since last years tournament, but tomorrow I am going to dust of the rust and play some BASKETBALL.
My small hometown of Browerville, MN is having its about 7 annual Alumni Tournament.  This is the 5th one I will be playing in.  The challenge is I have not played since last year. That would mean I am going to do a lot of rebounding and setting screens.
I have kept myself in shape by going to the gym, but getting out there and playing is a whole lot different.  Of course I am one of the … (3 comments)

Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball, March Madness - 03/13/09 12:29 AM
I am taking a side track from my typical posts to talk about a little bit about my sports hobbies.
I do play Fantasy Football, Baseball and Basketball. Plus I always look forward to March Madness.  I really pay little attention anymore as far as watching games. I just don't find the time. There are things I would rather be doing. 
However, I still like staying connect to friends by doing these things. I also like having players and teams to root for and follow throughout the year. 
In season right now is Basketball and March Madness; with Baseball around the … (2 comments)

Life Wants To Take You Higher! (Part 2) - 03/12/09 11:27 PM
Have you ever thought that you are RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE IN LIFE!  
If this economy or the Real Estate market has you down you may not feel that way. You may feel terrible because you or others you know are losing their house or have someone close to them that is ill. How can this be good? How can I be RIGHT WHERE I AM SUPPOSE TO BE?
I wrote last week that Life Wants To Take You Higher! ... but are you will to let it?
"For it is God who works in you to will and … (3 comments)

Realtors Are Underpaid! - 03/11/09 09:07 PM
Perhaps consumers are aware of this fact: REALTORS WORK HARDER THEN EVER NOW JUST TO MAKE THE SAME OR CLOSE TO THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY AS THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.
With home prices down 30-50% in many areas and homes sales overall down it is very difficult for a Realtor to make the income they have made in the past few years.  Now some consumers may say something like, "Good! Those Realtors made too much money in the past."
However, at any point someone is using a service such as a Realtor to buy a house there is VALUE or … (3 comments)

I show a lot of homes... - 03/10/09 04:21 PM
Today I was setting up some showings for tomorrow and I called a company and the office staff got my name and said, "Oh! Chuck Carstensen!  You show our homes all the time! That's a Fannie Mae Property so its vacant..."
I say, "I bet the combo is XXXX (Real combo not given out here)."
She said, "Yes, go ahead and show and call with feedback!"
I bring this up for a couple reasons:
1) I feel like I don't show many of their listings. I wonder what the RE/MAX in Anoka or Cambridge thinks of how many showings I do … (0 comments)

Top Producer 8i (revisted) - 03/09/09 08:27 PM
I have been using Top Producer 7i since January 2005 and it has bee a true blessing to my business!  It helps me follow up with a track over 300 people in my database. It has successfully helped me sell homes to several buyers that I have followed up with over a year from first call to closing.  Plus it has helped me stay in touch with past customers.
When I first logged to Top Producer 8i I freaked out. I thought it was the worst change I have ever seen.  I did not understand how to use it so I … (5 comments)

Impression of Increase - 03/09/09 07:32 AM
Every so often in my blog posts I will talk about the word INCREASE. I think to some people it might sound like a strange way of looking at our actions and results in life and to other people it might give them a refreshing way to look at things.
The IMPRESSION OF INCREASE can be used to uplift your mind, body and soul and give you HOPE. Some of the posts I am reading this morning on here leave me and others who read them with the IMPRESSION OF INCREASE. Meaning...we can be more, feel better, realize our fullest potential … (5 comments)

Coon Rapids, MN -- Market Update - 03/08/09 10:52 PM
Coon Rapids, MN Market update for 3/8/09.
Active listings: 402
Active listings under $100K: 68
Pending sales: 90
Pending sales under $100K: 23
Sold homes year to date: 94
Sold homes under $100K: 21
There are a lot of great deals available in Coon Rapids.  Call me if I can help you with anything!
 
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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate.  He is a Dynamic Life Coach; The Discovery Coach- "Helping you discover your talents, desires and purpose." Carstensen is a speaker and co-author in the best selling … (1 comments)

Anoka, MN -- Market Update - 03/08/09 12:58 AM
I am in Market Update mode lately. Here is what is happening in Anoka, MN.
Active Listings: 112
Active Listings under $100K: 17
Pending sales: 17
Pending sales under $100K: 8
Closed sales year to date: 17
Closed sales under $100K: 6
Sales in Anoka have picked up as of late.  Most bank owned homes in Anoka are still over valued by the sellers. These stats don't count duplex listings and sales in Anoka on those have been extremely slow.
 
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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, sellers, and investors of residential real estate.  He … (0 comments)

Zimmerman, MN -- Market Update - 03/06/09 11:14 PM
Here is a market snapshot of what is happening in the Zimmerman, Mn Real Estate market.
Active listings: 111
Active listing under $100,000: 11
Pending sales: 23
Pending Sales Under $100,000: 6
Closed listings year to date: 17
Closed listings under $100,000: 5
Sales have picked up in Zimmerman as of late. There are many nice clean homes closing in on $100,000. I like to focus on the $100,000 in these posts because for most people at $100,000 they really should own instead of rent if the credit allows.
  
If you are looking for a home in Zimmerman, MN let … (2 comments)

Ramsey, MN -- Market Update - 03/06/09 08:59 PM
Here is a market snapshot of what is happening in the Ramsey, Mn Real Estate market.
Active listings: 203
Active listing under $100,000: 12
Pending sales: 39
Pending Sales Under $100,000: 6
Closed listings year to date: 33
Closed listings under $100,000: 2
 
These numbers tell you the prices have been dropping with more pending listings under $100,000 and many of the active listings under $100,000 will move under contract to pending too. 
If you are looking for a home in Ramsey, MN let me know!

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Chuck Carstensen is a Realtor with The Discovery Team at RE/MAX; helping buyers, … (2 comments)

Elk River, MN - Market Summary - 03/06/09 07:27 PM
For those curious of what has happen so far in 2009 in the Elk River, Mn Real Estate market this blog summarizes the market.
Current Active listings: 249
Active Listings Under $100,000: 15
Pending sales: 31
Pending sales under $100,000: 5
Sold listings year to date: 44
Sold listings under $100,000: 7
It should be noted there a several more sales, mostly townhomes that have occurred just above $100,000. Homes in Elk River are very affordable now.  Many of the two stories that have gone to BANK owned status can be purchase between $200,000- $250,000.
Let me know if I can … (0 comments)

What Should I Offer? - 03/06/09 12:09 AM
Now more then ever buyers are conscious of getting a good price and rightfully so. The market has came down and with the economic reports we are led to believe it will get worse, so those who are buying want to make sure the price is low enough that if the market drops further they still are sitting good.
That being said - WHAT SHOULD YOU OFFER?
Here are some common ideas of offers I hear from buyers:
1)  Buyer wants to save $15,000, so they think they should offer $30,000 low and hope the seller meets them in the … (3 comments)

Think of Yourself as the Pitcher... - 03/05/09 11:55 PM
As I look back on my life I notice that I have always put a lot of pressure on myself to make things happen.  Whether in sales, finances, relationships, fitness I had always felt it was up to me to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Perhaps you know this feeling. 
Basically I would go out each day trying to hit the HOMERUN.  The problem with trying to MAKE IT HAPPEN each day is that you can STRIKE OUT a lot.  With the new economy this HOMERUN approach can leave you or me frustrated, confused and wondering, "WHAT IS MY PROBLEM?"  Because we try … (7 comments)

Praise HIM in Your Storm! - 03/04/09 11:32 PM
I am guilty of giving PRAISE to the wrong things in my life for too often to list.  As I have been developing spiritually I have learned more and more about what to give attention to and how to give attention to it! 
So often we get caught up in the WRONG conversation.  It is normally about the BAD economy, or the BAD person who did such a horrible thing, or some other BAD thing that is happening to us. 
Whether you believe bad happens or not there is a HIGHER WAY we can take no matter what STORM life brings … (4 comments)

Life Wants To Take You Higher! - 03/03/09 01:25 PM
Have you ever wondered why "bad things happen to good people."  Have you been frustrated by what someone has done to you or not done for you.  Is the economy causing some adversity in your life. Have you had a lot of negative things happen to you or people you know lately?
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT ADVERSITY, EVIL, AND NEGATIVITY WAS ACTUALLY A SIGN OF YOUR GOOD COMING TO YOU!

LIFE WANTS TO TAKE YOU HIGHER!
We can only go higher if we are challenged and stretch to our full potential.  Lets look at the economy different for … (9 comments)

Eye of the Tiger! - 03/02/09 09:32 PM
Bob Proctor says, "People that achieve goals have the eye of the Tiger."
I love the song "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor.  My high school teams mascot was the a Tiger. So when the band played this song I would get goose bumps. I could jump higher...I could not dunk in practice but coming out to this song I could get above the rim! 
Now I can use THE EYE OF THE TIGER to soar to new heights in all areas of my life!

A person with THE EYE OF THE TIGER IS FOCUSED. They know what they need … (5 comments)

Sorry...My Seller Has Rejected Your Offer - 03/02/09 01:18 PM
I work with a lot of buyers and submit many offers, so from time to time I get REJECTED!  I understand getting rejected when you make a silly low offer.  But sometimes the offers are in the ball park and they still REJECT you!
Ouch... I feel like I am getting slapped each time I type REJECTED! 

The interesting thing is in December I had a buyer get REJECTED 4 times and we kept going back and eventually he went up enough and the BANK came down and the offer was accepted. We closed Feb. 13th.
Often times you will … (17 comments)

March = Spring Market in Minnesota - 03/01/09 09:05 PM
Things normally start to crank up a notch in the Real Estate Market come March. With home prices about 40% off of where they were and low interest rates I expect the Spring Market in MINNESOTA to be GREAT!
There are many homes at VALUE prices.  Buyers are looking for the VALUES.  Sellers don't mistake this Spring Market as, "maybe I can get MY PRICE because its Spring." 
Prices are way down.  They not going up this Spring.  However, the supply of homes could level off somewhat with the amount of buyers that will be in the market to move in … (0 comments)

 
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Chuck Carstensen

Elk River, MN

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Address: 650 Dodge Avenue, Elk River, MN, 55330

Office Phone: (763) 635-7228

Cell Phone: (612) 290-3809

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I help buyers, sellers and investors with their real estate needs. In this blog I post my listings and give real estate, social media and personal development tips. I enjoy giving people tips, suggestions and hints that can improve their business and life.




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